4 Million Warehouse Robots Will Be in 50,000 Locations By 2025

| Mike O'Brien

By 2025 there will be more than 4 million warehouse robots in use at 50,000 locations globally, up from 5,000 locations in 2018, according to a report from ABI Research, with much of the growth coming from ecommerce fulfillment including demand for same-day delivery. See what experts have to say about the growing trend.

warehouse interior blur feature

MCM Outlook 2019: Getting Creative in Operations to Meet Demands

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon may have raised the customer expectations bar, but the pressure has been kept up as merchants scramble to meet increased fulfillment demands. So how do you react and execute? Our MCM Outlook 2019 report gathers survey results and expert insights to help you focus your investments to compete and win.

Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, order management, order management system, operations and fulfillment, retail operations

How to Assess Your True Readiness for a System Go Live Date

| Curt Barry

It’s one thing to be running behind on programming modifications, testing and implementing your systems project. It’s another to unknowingly commit your company to a system go live without management review, risk assessment and agreement and signoff. These 10 points should be part of your readiness assessment.

warehouse workers

Ecommerce, 3PLs Account for 61% of Major Warehouse Deals in 2018

| Mike O'Brien

Ecommerce logistics, including 3PLs, accounted for 61 of the 100 largest deals on warehouse and industrial space in 2018, according to commercial real estate brokerage CBRE. The deals totaled 61.5 million square feet of space in 32 markets, with facilities ranging in size from 742,000 square feet to 2.3 million square feet.

9 Considerations a Vendor Will Evaluate in Negotiating Deals

| Brian Barry

Whether it’s software or 3PL services you’re negotiating, it’s important to understand how vendors look at your company and the deal you want to cut. Understanding things from their perspective can help you forge successful vendor relationships. Here are 9 considerations to take into account when evaluating a prospective deal.

Is Your Warehouse Completely Winter Prepped?

| Frank Granieri

While we can’t change the weather, with minimal effort we can help mitigate exposure when the inevitable transpires. By taking a few simple yet often overlooked steps, even as the calendar has turned into 2019, logistics managers can effectively maintain a safer warehouse operation through the coldest months.

Historically Low Warehouse Vacancy Leading to Upward Development

| Mike O'Brien

Vacancy rates for industrial and logistics space, including ecommerce fulfillment, is now at a historic low of 4.3% and new construction is constrained, leading to limited expansion options for warehouse occupants and higher rents, according to a Q3 report from brokerage CBRE. This has led to an increase in multistory developments.

Warehouse Workers Looking to Unionize in New York, New Jersey

| Mike O'Brien

Warehouse workers made their voices heard twice recently, both times involving Amazon and unionization, while in New Jersey labor groups are seeking safer conditions and better pay in ecommerce facilities statewide. Expect the unionization push to pick up momentum in 2019 as reports of poor working conditions continue to grow.

How to Reduce Ecommerce Fulfillment Center Injuries

| Brian Barry

With constant incoming product, replenishment, picking and shipping, the typical ecommerce fulfillment center is a beehive of activity. Add seasonal employees and the injury potential goes up dramatically. Here are some of the more common causes of injuries, some information from OSHA and insights and recommendations.